Hartington

Alrewas

Leader: David

Branston Water Park coffee stop

National Memorial Arboretum

National Memorial Arboretum

National Memorial Arboretum

A repeat visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire for the ‘longer bus & train’ group.
After a 30 minute train journey to Burton upon Trent, the walk again followed the Trent & Mersey canal southwards, via Branston Water Park and Barton Marina.
Once again we entered the Arboretum through the quiet northern end near Catholme, and it was obvious that the number and scale of the memorials had significantly increased since our last visit a few years ago.

A feature of the route, then and now, is having to cross and re-cross the ‘motorway style’ A38. The Arboretum is not a friendly place for either public transport or foot access.
All ten in the group were nimble enough to have survived without incident.

Defunct Reservoirs

There was some discussion over a Guide Stoop on Big Moor which used the word way as opposed to the more normal road.

Wednesday 7 November

Duffield to Allestree

Leader: John

Basil writes ;

Ten group members took the train to Derby and on to Duffield to commence a 10 mile route to Allestree Park using parts of the Ecclesbourne Way and the Centenary Way.
Good views, but on the approach to Kedleston the heavens opened and we experienced a couple of hours of heavy rain (plus wet sandwiches).
It cleared as we got closer to Derby where the greatest danger was getting soaked again from the traffic and large puddles whilst waiting for the bus.
A good day enjoyed by all.

Next week it’s train again to Burton and a walk to the National Memorial Arboretum.

In Search of Ancient Waters

Leader: Mel

Deer camouflaged on the Eastern Moors

16 turned up at Shillito Wood for Mel’s circular over the Eastern Moors, visiting redundant reservoirs.
A reasonable weather forecast turned out to be a persistent downpour for the afternoon return via Wimble Holme Hill, Fanshawe Gate, and Smeekley Wood.
After a glorious summer we had perhaps forgotten that it sometimes rains around these old reservoirs.

Trig point on Totley Moss

We're always happy for anyone to join us for two or three walks without commitment